Physics (PHYS)

PHYS 008 Physics for Architects I

An introduction to the classical laws of mechanics, including static equilibrium, elasticity, and oscillations, with emphasis on topics most relevant to students in architecture. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008, PHYS 101, PHYS 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 091 or 093 who complete PHYS008 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

For BA Students: Physical World Sector

Course offered fall; odd-numbered years

Prerequisites: Entrance credit in algebra and trigonometry.

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

Notes: Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008, PHYS 101, PHYS 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 091 or 093 who complete PHYS 008 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 009 Physics for Architects II

Briefly reviews Newton's laws, then introduces waves, sound, light, fluids, heat, electricity, magnetism, and circuits, with emphasis on topics most relevant to students in architecture. Illustrates physics principles using examples drawn from architecture. Students with a strong high-school physics background may take PHYS 008 and PHYS 009 in either order. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 092 or 094 who complete PHYS008 will surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

For BA Students: Physical World Sector

Course offered fall; even-numbered years

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

Notes: Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 092 or 094 who complete PHYS 008 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 016 Energy, Oil, and Global Warming

The developed world's dependence on fossil fuels for energy production has extremely undesirable economic, environmental, and political consequences, and is likely to be mankind's greatest challenge in the 21st century. We describe the physical principles of energy, its production and consumption, and environmental consequences, including the greenhouse effect. We will examine a number of alternative modes of energy generation - fossil fuels, biomass, wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear - and study the physical and technological aspects of each, and their societal, environmental and economic impacts over the construction and operational lifetimes. No previous study of physics is assumed.

For BA Students: Natural Science and Math Sector

One-term course offered either term

Prerequisites: Algebra and Trigonometry

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

Notes: May be counted as Science Studies for students in Class of 2009 and prior. Target audience: Non-science majors (although science/engineering students are welcome).

PHYS 050 Physics Laboratory I

Experiments in classical mechanics.

One-term course offered either term

Prerequisites: AP score of 5 on the Physics B or Physics C - Mechanics exam, or transfer credit for PHYS 91 or PHYS 93. Only for students with above prerequisites.

We will explore the link between physics, physical models and quantitative thinking to areas of consciousness and brain research. This will include examples and phenomena in classical and quantum physics, the nature of physical measurements, observation, the role of the observer, the role of the human mind in interpreting reality and consciousness. Brain imaging studies enabled by physical phenomena may be used to support certain theories of how we process information. The course will be based on cutting edge physical phenomena and as quantitative as possible. We will explore related areas of psychology including the area of emotions and try to explore new links between them and the limits of quantitative approaches in these topics. We will exploredecision making and links to quantum theories. For example, the making of a decision has been hypothesized to collapse "a thought wave into a particle". Much of human thinking is probabilistic in nature and we will link this to physics. We will explore topics of quantum entanglement, quantum computing, information, and free will. We will explore other work showing that quantum models were able to predict effects shown in national surveys. We will explore how the brain works, how this is linked to physics, physicists' ways of thinking, as well as psychology (and develop useful methods for rational living).

For BA Students: Natural Science and Math Sector

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 101 General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound

An introduction to the classical laws of motion, including kinematics, forces in nature, Newton's laws of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluid statics and dynamics, oscillations, and waves. Suggested for students in a pre-health program. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008, PHYS 101, PHYS 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 91 or PHYS 93 who complete PHYS 101 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

Notes: Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008, PHYS 101, PHYS 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 91 or PHYS 93 who complete PHYS 101 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 102 General Physics: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics

A continuation of PHYS 101 emphasizing an introduction to classical electricity and magnetism, light and optics, special relativity, the quantum theory of matter, and nuclear physics. Suggested for students in a pre-health program. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 92 or PHYS 94 who complete PHYS 102 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

Notes: Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 92 or PHYS 94 who complete PHYS 102 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 137 Community Physics Initiative

This is an Academically Based Community Service Course (ABCS). It will be aligned to the Philadelphia School District curriculum in introductory physics at University City High School (UCHS). The UCHS curriculum roughly parallels the contents of first semester introductory physics (non-calculus) at Penn.

Notes: For Engineering students whose course of study does not require a physics laboratory course. Those who are enrolled in a dual degree program with the College must register for the lab-based version of this course, PHYS 150.

PHYS 141 Principles of Physics II (without laboratory)

The topics of this calculus-based course are electric and magnetic fields; Coulomb's, Gauss's, Ampere's, and Faraday's laws; DC and AC circuits; Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic radiation. Engineering students only.

Notes: For Engineering students whose course of study does not require a physics laboratory course. Those who are enrolled in a dual degree program with the College must register for the lab-based version of this course, PHYS 151.

PHYS 150 Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion

This calculus-based course is recommended for science majors and engineering students. Classical laws of motion; interactions between particles; conservation laws and symmetry principles; particle and rigid body motion; gravitation, harmonic motion, and applications of mechanics to real-world problems. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008, PHYS 101, PHYS 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 91 or PHYS 93 who complete PHYS 150 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

For BA Students: Physical World Sector

One-term course offered either term

Prerequisites: Students in PHYS 150 should already have taken MATH 104 or the equivalent, or be taking it simultaneously with PHYS 150

Notes: Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008, PHYS 101, PHYS 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 91 or PHYS 93 who complete PHYS 150 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 151 Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation

The topics of this calculus-based course are electric and magnetic fields; Coulomb's, Gauss's, Ampere's, and Faraday's laws; DC and AC circuits; Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic radiation. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses. PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 92 or PHYS 94 who complete PHYS 151 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

Notes: Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses. PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 92 or PHYS 94 who complete PHYS 151 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 170 Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion

This course parallels and extends the content of PHYS 150, at a significantly higher mathematical level. Recommended for well-prepared students in engineering and the physical sciences, and particularly for those planning to major in physics. Classical laws of motion: interaction between particles; conservation laws and symmetry principles; rigid body motion; non-inertial reference frames; oscillations. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008PHYS 101, 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 91 or PHYS 93 who complete PHYS 170 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

Notes: Benjamin Franklin Seminar. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 008PHYS 101, 150, or PHYS 170. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 91 or PHYS 93 who complete PHYS 170 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 171 Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation

This course parallels and extends the content of PHYS 151, at a somewhat higher mathematical level. Recommended for well-prepared students in engineering and the physical sciences, and particularly for those planning to major in physics. Electric and magnetic fields; Coulomb's, Ampere's, and Faraday's laws; special relativity; Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic radiation. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 092 or PHYS 094 who complete PHYS 171 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

For BA Students: Physical World Sector

Course usually offered in spring term

Prerequisites: Math 114 or Math 116 and Phys 150 or Phys 170, or permission of the instructor

Notes: Benjamin Franklin Seminar. Credit is awarded for only one of the following courses: PHYS 009, PHYS 102, PHYS 151, or PHYS 171. Students with AP or Transfer Credit for PHYS 092 or PHYS 094 who complete PHYS 171 will thereby surrender the AP or Transfer Credit.

PHYS 230 Principles of Physics III: Thermal Physics and Waves

Laws of thermodynamics, gas laws and heat engines. Waves on a string, electromagnetic waves including optical phenomena such as refraction, interference and diffraction. Introduction to special relativity including time dilation, length contraction, simultaneity, Lorentz transforms and relativistic energy and momentum. Students are encouraged but not required to take Math 240 concurrently or in advance.

An introduction to the experimental basis for and principles of quantum mechanics, properties of electrons, protons, neutrons, and the elements of atomic structure and nuclear structure. Electromagnetic radiation and photons; interaction of photons with electrons, atoms, and nuclei. Students are encouraged but not required to take Math 241 concurrently or in advance.

Corequisite: MATH 240 (Note: MATH 240 will become a prerequisite in Spring 2019)

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 250 Principles of Physics IV: Modern Physics

An introduction to the experimental basis for and principles of quantum mechanics, properties of electrons, protons, neutrons, and the elements of atomic structure and nuclear structure. Electromagnetic radiation and photons; interaction of photons with electrons, atoms, and nuclei. Students are encouraged but not required to take Math 241 concurrently or in advance.

Classic case studies of successful reductionistic models of complex phenomena, emphasizing the key steps of making estimates, using them to figure out which physical variables and phenomena will be most relevant to a given system, finding analogies to purely physical systems whose behavior is already known, and embodying those in a mathematical model, which is often implemented in computer code. Topics may include bacterial genetics, genetic switches and oscillators; systems that sense or utilize light; superresolution and other newmicroscopy methods; and vision and other modes of sensory transduction.

This course covers the fundamentals of atmosphere and ocean dynamics, and aims to put these in the context of climate change in the 21st century. Large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation, the global energy balance, and the global energy balance, and the global hydrological cycle. We will introduce concepts of fluid dynamics and we will apply these to the vertical and horizontal motions in the atmosphere and ocean. Concepts covered include: hydrostatic law, buoyancy and convection, basic equations of fluid motions, Hadley and Ferrel cells in the atmosphere, thermohaline circulation, Sverdrup ocean flow, modes of climate variability (El-Nino, North Atlantic Oscillation, Southern Annular Mode). The course will incorporate student led discussions based on readings of the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report and recent literature on climate change. Aimed at undergraduate or graduate students who have no prior knowledge of meteorology or oceanography or training in fluid mechanics. Previous background in calculus and/or introductory physics is helpful. This is a general course which spans many subdisciplines (fluid mechanics, atmospheric science, oceanography, hydrology).

This is a practical course on computing, numerical methods, statistics, and data analysis techniques with particular emphasis on data mining and machine learning applied to large datasets. Topics include basic numerical methods and algorithms, probability theory, classical and Bayesian statistical inference, model fitting, Monte Carlo methods, and classification. We will be using Python for the exercises. Prior experience in programming (in any language) is required.

Second term course in intermediate electromagnetism. Topics include magnetostatic forces and fields, magnetized media, Maxwell's equations, Poynting and stress theorems, free field solutions to Maxwell's equations, and radiation from separable and nonseparable time dependent charge and current distributions.

A laboratory-intensive survey of analog and digital electronics, intended to teach students of physics or related fields enough electronics to be effective in experimental research and to be comfortable learning additional topics from reference textbooks. Analog topics include voltage dividers, impedance, filters, operational amplifier circuits, and transistor circuits. Digital topics may include logic gates, finite-state machines, programmable logic devices, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, and microcomputer concepts. Recommended for students planning to do experimental work in physical science.

An introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics designed for physics majors and graduate students in physics-related disciplines. The Schrodinger equation operator formalism, central field problem, angular momentum, and spin. Application to one-dimensional and central field problems.

In this course you will have the opportunity to do a variety of experiments, ranging from "classic experiments" such as measuring G with a torsion balance, determining the relativistic mass of the electron, and muon lifetime, to experiments studying atomic spectroscopy, NMR, Optical pumping, Mossbauer effect, nuclear energy levels, interaction of gamma rays with matter, single photon interference, and magnetic susceptibility. There are also experiments using a High-Tc superconducting tunnel junction and a PET scanner. You will learn basic statistics, become proficient in analysis using Python, acquire an understanding of systematic errors, and learn how to write a professional report. Many of the laboratories provide excellent opportunities to exercise, and expand upon, the knowledge you have gained in your physics courses.

This course focuses on the art of estimating physical quantities to within the nearest factor of ten. Problem solving techniques such as dimensional analysis and scaling relations will be covered and applied to a wide range of topics including fluid mechanics, waves and sound, atomic physics, material properties, astrophysics, everyday life, and more. The course is intended for advanced undergraduate students.

Experimental and theoretical research projects in various areas of physics planned by student in consultation with a member of faculty. A written thesis and an oral presentation and defense are required.

A discussion of those concepts and techniques of classical analysis employed in physical theories. Topics include complex analysis. Fourier series and transforms, ordinary and partial equations, Hilbert spaces, among others.

Introduction to research in particle, nuclear, condensed matter and astrophysics. Selected current topics from journals.

One-term course offered either term

Activity: Lecture

0 Course Units

Notes: Taken by all first-year graduate students. This is a required seminar that does not carry credit or a grade.

PHYS 503 General Relativity

This is a graduate level, introductory course in general relativity. The basics of general relativity will be covered with a view to understanding the mathematical background, the construction of the theory, and applications to the solar system, black holes, gravitational waves and cosmology. The latter part of the course will cover some of the basic modern topics in modern cosmology, including the current cosmological model, the accelerating universe, and open questions driving current research.

One-term course offered either term

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 505 Introduction to Cosmology

Introduction to physical cosmology emphasizing recent ideas on the very early evolution of the universe. The course will introduce standard big bang cosmology, new theories of the very early universe, and the key observations that have tested and will be testing these ideas. No prior knowledge of astrophysics, cosmology, general relativity, or particle physics will be assumed, although aspects of each will be introduced as part of the course. The course is intended for graduate students and advanced undergraduates.

Course offered spring; odd-numbered years

Prerequisite: Graduate standing in physics or permission of instructor

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 516 Electromagnetic Phenomena

Survey of electrodynamics, focusing on applications to research done in the Department. Topics include mathematical structure and relativistic invariance properties of Maxwell equations, tensor methods, and the generation and scattering of radiation, in vacuum and in materials. Applications vary from year to year but include optical manipulation, astrophysical phenomena, and the generalizations from Maxwell's theory to those of other fundamental interactions (strong, electroweak, and gravitational forces).

Course usually offered in spring term

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 517 Particle Cosmology

This introduction to cosmology will cover standard big bang cosmology, formation of large-scale structure, theories of the early universe and their observational predictions, and models of dark energy. It is intended for graduate students or advanced undergraduates. No prior knowledge of general relativity or field theory will be assumed, although aspects of each will be introduced as part of the course.

One-term course offered either term

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 518 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics

An introduction to condensed matter physics designed primarily for advanced undergraduate and graduate students desiring a compact survey of the field. Band theory of solids, phonons, electrical magnetic and optical properties of matter, and superconductivity.

In this course you will have the opportunity to do a variety of experiments, ranging from "classic experiments" such as measuring G with a torsion balance, determining the relativistic mass of the electron, and muon lifetime, to experiments studying atomic spectroscopy, NMR, Optical pumping, Mossbauer effect, nuclear energy levels, interaction of gamma rays with matter, single photon interference, and magnetic susceptibility. There are also experiments using a High-Tc superconducting tunnel junction and a PET scanner. You will learn basic statistics, become proficient in analysis using Python, acquire an understanding of systematic errors, and learn how to write a professional report. Many of the laboratories provide excellent opportunities to exercise, and expand upon, the knowledge you have gained in your physics courses.

An introduction to elementary particles (photons, leptons, hadrons, quarks), their interactions, and the unification of the fundamental forces.

Course not offered every year

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor required.

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 526 Astrophysical Radiation

This is a course on the theory of the interaction of light and matter designed primarily for graduate and advanced undergraduate students to build the basic tools required to do research in astrophysics. Topics to be discussed include structure of single- and multi-electron atoms, radiative and collisional processes, spectral line formation, opacity, radiation transfer, analytical and numerical methods, and a selection of applications in astrophysics based on student research interest.

Course offered fall; even-numbered years

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 528 Introduction to Liquid Crystals

Overview of liquid crystalline phases, their elasticity, topology, and dynamics.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of electricity and magnetism and quantum mechanics. For example, at least at the level of Physics 362, PHYS 411.

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

Notes: Graduate level course designed for beginning or intermediate graduate students in physics, but it is likely to be of use to a broader community including beginning graduate students whose research involves light scattering in electrical engineering, chemistry, and biophysics, and advanced undergraduates.

Prerequisites: A minimum of one semester of quantum mechanics at the advanced undergraduate level.

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 532 Quantum Mechanics II

Continuation of PHYS 531. Topics covered include the path integral formulation, symmetries in quantum mechanics, scattering theory, and decoherence. Other topics may include time independent and time dependent perturbation theory, and atomic and molecular systems.

This course aims to survey three or four topics of current research interest in cosmology, mostly at the level of review articles. The topics will be covered in greater depth and with more connections to ongoing research than the introductory cosmology course, ASTR 525. The course will be largely accesible to first and second year graduate students. Some exposure to cosmology and general relativity will be helpful but the first two weeks will attempt to bridge that gap. The topic selection will be done in part with input from the students.

Course not offered every year

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 535 Topics in Theory of Living Systems

The goal of this course is to discuss broad conceptual theories that address complex phenomena of living systems. Example questions include: what is the molecular architecture of information processing in cells and developing organisms? What is the functional architecture of cooperative organization from molecules in a cell to whole organism social interactions? How is complex multi-factorial information represented in organisms? The course will meet once a week and students will research relevant papers, lead discussions, and generate synopsis of group discussions. At the end of the semester, faculty and students are expected to co-author a review report of the discussed topics.

Second term course in intermediate electromagnetism. Topics include magnetostatic forces and fields, magnetized media, Maxwell's equations, Poynting and stress theorems, free field solutions to Maxwell's equations, and radiation from separable and nonseparable time dependent charge and current distributions.

A laboratory-intensive survey of analog and digital electronics, intended to teach students of physics or related fields enough electronics to be comfortable learning additional topics on their own from a reference such as Horowitz and Hill. Specific topics will vary from year to year from the selection of topics listed below. Analog topics may include voltage dividers, impedance, filters, operational amplifier circuits, and transistor circuits. Digital topics may include logic gates, finite-state machines, programmable logic devices, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, and microcomputer concepts. Recommended for students planning to do experimental work in physical science.

The course will explore the basic physical principles behind the structure and function of life across many length and time scales (molecule, cell, organism, population). Emphasis will be given on overarching physical themes such as entropy and biological noise, and how they affect the organization of living matter and its emergent properties. Topics may include biopolymers and single molecule biophysics, molecular motors, gene and transcription networks, pattern formation in biological systems, phyllotaxis, neural computing and evolution.

This course in medical radiation physics investigates electromagnetic and particulate radiation and its interaction with matter. The theory of radiation transport and the basic concept of dosimetry will be presented. The principles of radiation detectors and radiation protection will be discussed.

Course usually offered in fall term

Activity: Lecture

1 Course Unit

PHYS 585 Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience

This course will develop theoretical and computational approaches to structural and functional organization in the brain. The course will cover: (i) the basic biophysics of neural responses, (ii) neural coding and decoding with an emphasis on sensory systems, (iii) approaches to the study of networks of neurons, (iv) models of adaptation, learning and memory, (v) models of decision making, and (vi) ideas that address why the brain is organized the way that it is. The course will be appropriate for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. A knowledge of multi-variable calculus, linear algebra and differential equations is required (except by permission of the instructor). Prior exposure to neuroscience and/or Matlab programming will be helpful.

This course is intended to be an introductory graduate course on the physics of solids, crystals and liquid crystals. There will be a strong emphasis on the use and application of broken and unbroken symmetries in condensed matter physics. Topics covered include superconductivity and superfluidity.